The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police has initiated an Anti-Theft from Vehicle Campaign that will run through September 30.

The campaign is designed to raise the level of awareness and educate the public on securing their personal belongings when parking their vehicles.

According to police, theft from vehicle is a crime of opportunity. By not securing their valuables when they park, people risk becoming a victim. Thieves look for opportunities to steal items from vehicles parked in large, unattended parking lots, parking garages and on secluded streets among various other locations.

According to statistics compiled by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the total number of Thefts from Auto by Neighborhood for the first six months of 2012. Four South Pittsburgh neighborhoods were in the top 20 for most thefts from autos: South Side Flats was third in the city with 75; Mount Washington, 24; Carrick, 19; and, South Side Slopes, 17.

As some numbers increase in areas across the city, it is important for citizens and guests to Pittsburgh to become cognizant of where they park when visiting establishments and more so securing valuable items by locking and secure doors and windows and putting items out of plain view to any would be thief. If a vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device it should be used. This will help to deter thieves from targeting the vehicle.

A thief looks for the easiest target with the least resistance. Anyone who sees a suspicious person lurking around unattended vehicles should dial 911.